Stargazing at Lake Pukaki, Christchurch - Canterbury

Step up to the telescope and observe glittering stars in the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in the central South Island covers more than 4,300 square kilometres. Free of light pollution, it offers the perfect opportunity to observe constellations, shooting stars and the moon with unrivalled clarity.

Major observatories in the area include Big Sky Stargazing at the foot of Aoraki Mount Cook, and Earth & Sky based at Tekapo's Mount John Observatory. Here professional astronomers will guide you through the galaxy using powerful telescopes.